Shape in the Environment
To develop shape recognition in real-world contexts through shape walks and hunts.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Mathematics
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Names common 2D shapes
- Identifies shapes in environment
- Describes shape properties
- Sorts shapes by type
Materials
- Shape reference cards
- Clipboards and pencils for recording
- Camera for photographing shapes
- Shape sorting board
Instructions
Take children on a shape walk inside the setting or outdoors. Give each child a shape reference card showing circle, square, rectangle, triangle. 'Let's be shape detectives! Find things that match your shape card!'
Name shapes precisely as children find them: 'That window is a rectangle! It has four sides — but look, two sides are long and two are short. That's what makes it a rectangle, not a square.' Mathematical precision matters even at this age.
Use a camera (child-operated if possible) to photograph shapes found: 'You found a circle! The clock is a circle! Take a photo!' Display the photos back at setting labelled with the shape name.
After the walk, sort the photos: 'Let's put all our circle photos together... all our rectangle photos...' This reinforces recognition and categorisation.
Compare shapes found: 'You found five rectangles and two circles. Which shape did we find most?' This early data handling is accessible and motivating.
Extend to 3D shapes: 'This tin is a cylinder — it has circles at each end and rolls! This box is a cuboid — it has flat faces. Let's compare...'